In Philippians 3:8-9, Paul proclaims the centrality of the gospel—the cross—to life.
I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ …
If the gospel is central—to the point that all else is rubbish—it also must be central in my marriage, my home. Practically, here’s what that may look like as I shift my family’s culture.
1. Repent. A family that practices repentance keeps “short accounts” with each other, apologizing quickly and sincerely. The point of apologizing to my kids even when they’re in trouble isn’t at all to distract them from their sin. They need to grow up with my willing confession as the norm, to give them the knowledge that Mom requires a Savior as much as they do. An awareness of the log in my eye—even when my children or spouse are the offenders—is biblically commanded (Matthew 7:1-5).
2. Forgive. Deliberately ask for forgiveness, and then humbly and verbally extend forgiveness: “I want you to know that I completely forgive you, and that I believe God forgives you, too.”
I guess it can sound a little hokey when we’re not used to using such language in our homes … but that’s my point. Should it be? Call me an idealist, but I’d like this replication of Christ’s words to become the norm, a chance to apply the gospel to myself and my loved ones daily.
Conflict is an opportunity to glorify God, love others, and become more like Christ. Conflict allows the gospel to be played out in our midst: loving by laying down our lives in the midst of our family members’ sin. Forgiveness rolls out the red carpet for us to witness the gospel again and again with those we love the most.
HT: Family Life
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